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Students to study Japanese language at Gakushuin University

Ohio Wesleyan’s relationship with Gakushuin University in Tokyo has been strengthened even further by a special invitation extended to an OWU student from a Japanese governmental organization, the Japan Foundation. Susannah Cleland ’15 will participate in an all-tuition, travel, and expense-paid intensive Japanese language program, and she couldn’t be more excited.

“I have desperately wanted to travel, and this is an amazing opportunity to go to a country I’ve always wanted to visit,” says the English major/creative writing-focused Cleland. OWU professor Jun Kawabe was instrumental in bringing about this experience for Cleland—an experience offered only to Ohio Wesleyan students. Preceding it were the internship opportunities enabling three students from Gakushuin to visit OWU for a month in 2012, enriching the lives of OWU students and the Japanese program. Three new interns will be at the University during the 2013-14 academic year.

“As we receive these interns—funded by the Japan Foundation—they have invited our students to participate in their program in Japan, the one in which Susannah will be part of,” says Kawabe. Another Ohio Wesleyan student, Hanuel Kim ’15, also was invited and will travel to Japan in September.

“Susannah has taken several Japanese courses with me since her freshman year,” says Kawabe, noting the student’s successful academic achievement and strong commitment to Japanese studies. “This is a perfect opportunity for her. We hope to continue building a strong relationship with Gakushuin as well as a heightened awareness of Japan on our campus.”